In our trail runs in my “playground” with my training partner, Dannin, we always have something to do for the trail aside from running. It is either we pick-up plastic wrappers of candies or biscuits or cigarettes or any kind of trash; remove dried twigs or branches on the trail; cut grasses and branches that block one’s view of the trail; or clean the waterways in streams and rivers along the way.

In our latest run, Dannin and I cleaned and removed the debris/dried leaves that were accumulated on the waterways of the rivers and streams where we usually cross or pass. There were two rivers which we cleaned and it improved the continuous flow of water from the higher ground to a bigger pool where anybody would take a dip or swim.

With the better and continuous flow of water of the river, we are preventing the presence of insects and mosquitoes where they could breed and multiply. It would also prevent the river from overflowing to its banks which would result to flooding in populated areas or for the river to create another waterway which would lead to more erosion of earth and movements of rocks.

It did not take us for ten minutes to clean each river but such simple and little act to nature would give more protection to the population in terms of preventing diseases (due to the presence of mosquitoes) and maintaining the natural flow of water to the lower grounds, thereby, preventing flooding and erosion.

If you happen to hike or run along the hills and mountain trails, find time to exert a little time and effort to help and conserve nature.

So, lace up, get out of the door and run!